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FORT LEE, N.J. — More than $15,200 had been raised as of Tuesday on a GoFundMe for a scholarship fund in memory of late Fort Lee High School teacher Jeffrey G. Murren.

Murren succumbed to pancreatic cancer in July 2016.

The Pascack Hills High School graduate (1967) taught physical education and health for 40 years in Fort Lee where he was named "Teacher of the Year" before retiring in 2013.

"The inner strength with which he faced the life-altering diagnosis, his selfless concern for the family and friends who loved him and the joy he found in living each day would be reason enough to honor his memory by raising money for a scholarship," said Fair Lawn dad and Cliffside Park native Diego Lombardo, who launched the site.

"Within the nonjudgmental framework he created, students felt comfortable to make mistakes and learn from them.

"He wanted them to see the connection between climbing a rope and overcoming the odds."